As our PC's get faster and more powerful the need to start each high performance build with a solid foundation is critical to insuring your systems stability and extending the life of your components.  Today we will be taking a closer look at Antec's new 850 Watt TruePower Quattro power supply.  This high performance modular power supply is designed to handle just about any high end build currently on the market.  The Quattro series aren't just about performance, they also feature race inspired graphics that you have got to see for your self!  Check it out.

     It would be pretty hard to not notice the brilliant yellow packaging Antec has chosen for the 850 watt version of the Quattro, but the packaging also does a terrific job of selling you on the power supply.  In fact I hope you like the black and yellow color scheme because there is plenty more where that came from.

     The back and sides of the packaging provide a nice look at the specifications and features you can expect from your new Quattro.  It may look a bit overwhelming but the specifications are repeated in Spanish and French.  Antec is not afraid to show you every detail down to the power distribution.  as a general rule I will always avoid a power supply where the manufacturer feels like they have to hide the rails from you.

     Inside, the power supply is simply packed and surrounded by a good half inch of foam.  As you can see from the User's Manual the Quattro is also offered in a 1000 Watt version.

Specifications:

• Universal Input, automatically adjusts for 100V to 240V power grids
• Designed to meet the 80PLUS® Certification
• Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) helps reduce electrical waste
• Supports EPS12V v2.91 and ATX12V systems
• Four 12V output circuits provide supreme system stability
• Accurate power rating allows TruePower Quattro to deliver its full rated power (24 hours a day rated at 50ºC)
• Up to 85% efficient
• 80mm low noise cooling fan
• Heavy duty protection circuitry prevents damage resulting from short circuits (SCP), over voltages (OVP), under voltages (UVP), and over current (OCP)
• 2 x 8-pin PCI-E connectors and 2 x 6-pin connectors for PCI-Express graphics cards
• MTBF: 100,000 hours
• Safety approvals: UL, CUL, FCC, TÜV, CE, C-tick, CCC, CB
• Gold plated connectors for superior conductivity
• AQ5 – Antec Quality five-year parts and labor warranty
• Dimensions:
  - 3.4" (H) x 5.9" (W) x 7.1" (D)
  - 8.6cm (H) x 15cm (W) x 18cm (D)
• Net Weight:
  - 5.75lbs
  - 2.6kg

Features:

• Available in 850W and 1000W

• Universal Input, automatically adjusts for 100V to 240V power grids

• 80Plus® Certified

• Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) helps reduce electrical waste

• Supports EPS12V v2.91 and ATX12V systems

• Four 12V output circuits provide supreme system stability

• Accurate power rating allows TruePower Quattro to deliver its full rated power (24 hours a day rated at 50ºC)

• Up to 85% efficient

• 80mm low noise cooling fan

• Heavy duty protection circuitry prevents damage resulting from short circuits (SCP), over voltages (OVP), under voltages (UVP), and over current (OCP)

• 2 x 8-pin PCI-E connectors and 2 x 6-pin connectors for PCI-Express graphics cards

• MTBF: 100,000 hours

• Safety approvals: UL, CUL, FCC, TÜV, CE, C-tick, CCC, CB

• AQ5 – Antec Quality five-year parts and labor warranty

• Gold plated connectors for superior conductivity

ccessories

     The Quattro 850 Watt comes with a standard power cable, the User's Manual and a set of black mounting screws.  In addition the modular cords are packaged in a simple bag.

     Each of the cables is longer than average and sleeved in a black mesh.  The dominate yellow cabling gives each run a clean matching look.

     The first thing that grabs you about the 850 watt Quattro are the bright yellow racing stripes.  The brilliant pant scheme against the black finish goes all the way around the unit.  I have to admit, I was a little put off by the color at first, but it quickly had visions of black and yellow themed cases running through my head.

     The right side is rather plain in comparison with only some basic stickers and a vent.  I would probably take these off for a windowed installation, but its a shame there isn't some sort of yellow logo on the sides to match,

     The left side gives us the obligatory label shot.  The racing style is carried out on this side nicely, too bad you wont get to see it in most installs.  We will take a closer look at the rails in a moment.

     The back shows your wrap around striping interrupted by the single 80 mm cooling fan.  This single fan is rated for 38.6 CFM at 3010 RPMs and a peak of 34.4 dB/A.  We will see how well it does in the testing.